Commercial Metals (CMC) 10-Q 25 Mar 20 2020 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Mar. 24, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Feb. 29, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-4304
Entity Registrant Name	COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	75-0725338
Entity Address, Address Line One	6565 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Entity Address, City or Town	Irving
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75039
City Area Code	214
Local Phone Number	689-4300
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	CMC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		119,061,889
Entity Central Index Key	0000022444
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020		Feb. 28, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 1,340,963	$ 1,402,783	$ 2,725,671		$ 2,680,125
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold		1,123,096	1,252,493	2,269,610		2,370,926
Selling, general and administrative expenses		115,538	98,726	227,067		215,943
Interest expense		15,888	18,495	32,466		35,158
Total costs and expenses		1,254,522	1,369,714	2,529,143		2,622,027
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes		86,441	33,069	196,528		58,098
Income taxes		22,845	18,141	50,177		23,750
Earnings from continuing operations		63,596	14,928	146,351		34,348
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes		301	(1,075)	1,196		(618)
Income taxes		99	3	401		138
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations		202	(1,078)	795		(756)
Net earnings		$ 63,798	$ 13,850	$ 147,146		$ 33,592
Basic earnings per share*
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	[1]	$ 0.53	$ 0.13	$ 1.23		$ 0.29
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)		0	(0.01)	0.01	[1]	(0.01)	[1]
Net earnings (in USD per share)		0.54	0.12	1.24	[1]	0.29	[1]
Diluted earnings per share*
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	[1]	0.53	0.13	1.22		0.29
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)		0	(0.01)	0.01	[1]	(0.01)	[1]
Net earnings (in USD per share)		$ 0.53	$ 0.12	$ 1.22	[1]	$ 0.28	[1]
Average basic shares outstanding		118,919,455	117,854,335	118,644,823		117,677,422
Average diluted shares outstanding		120,407,256	118,942,758	120,303,259		118,996,427
[1]	*Earnings Per Share ("EPS") is calculated independently for each component and may not sum to Net EPS due to rounding

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 63,798	$ 13,850	$ 147,146	$ 33,592
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,066)	514
Reclassification for translation loss realized upon liquidation of investment in foreign entity	(2)	936
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,068)	1,450	5,856	(8,306)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain (loss)	(3,646)	(86)	(2,932)	(121)
Reclassification for loss included in net earnings	(83)	(42)	(172)	(84)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	(3,729)	(128)	(3,104)	(205)
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of prior services	(8)	(8)	(16)	(15)
Reclassification for settlement losses	0	0	0	1,316
Defined benefit obligation	(8)	(8)	(16)	1,301
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,805)	1,314	2,736	(7,210)
Comprehensive income	$ 58,993	$ 15,164	$ 149,882	$ 26,382

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 232,442	$ 192,461
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,388 and $8,403)	961,694	1,016,088
Inventories, net	714,842	692,368
Other current assets	176,000	179,088
Total current assets	2,084,978	2,080,005
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,522,342	1,500,971
Goodwill	64,172	64,138
Other noncurrent assets	236,446	113,657
Total assets	3,907,938	3,758,771
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	275,491	288,005
Accrued expenses and other payables	329,920	353,786
Acquired unfavorable contract backlog	21,008	35,360
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	22,715	17,439
Total current liabilities	649,134	694,590
Deferred income taxes	123,726	79,290
Other noncurrent liabilities	232,450	133,620
Long-term debt	1,144,573	1,227,214
Total liabilities	2,149,883	2,134,714
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1,290	1,290
Additional paid-in capital	351,481	358,668
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(121,390)	(124,126)
Retained earnings	1,704,045	1,585,379
Less treasury stock 9,998,775 and 11,135,726 shares at cost	(177,583)	(197,350)
Stockholders' equity	1,757,843	1,623,861
Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	212	196
Total stockholders' equity	1,758,055	1,624,057
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,907,938	$ 3,758,771
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 8,388	$ 8,403
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	119,061,889	117,924,938
Treasury stock, shares	9,998,775	11,135,726

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 147,146	$ 33,592
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	82,338	76,430
Deferred income taxes and other long-term taxes	42,142	11,705
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(14,328)	(34,808)
Stock-based compensation	15,805	10,007
Net gain on disposals of subsidiaries, assets and other	(5,585)	(1,202)
Other	1,571	(281)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(15,673)	(80,809)
Beneficial interest in securitized accounts receivable	0	(367,521)
Net cash flows from (used by) operating activities	253,416	(352,887)
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(96,592)	(67,497)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	14,004	2,042
Proceeds from insurance, sale of discontinued operations and other	974	5,798
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(9,850)	(700,982)
Beneficial interest in securitized accounts receivable	0	367,521
Net cash flows used by investing activities:	(91,464)	(393,118)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	11,299	180,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(106,880)	(14,605)
Proceeds from accounts receivable programs	85,686	140,070
Repayments under accounts receivable programs	(81,314)	(92,664)
Dividends	(28,480)	(28,181)
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(2,463)	(2,856)
Contribution from noncontrolling interests	16	10
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities	(122,136)	181,774
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	337	(221)
Increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents	40,153	(564,452)
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	233,882	68,163
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	233,882	68,163
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for income taxes	27,759	1,771
Cash paid for interest	29,484	31,518
Noncash activities:
Liabilities related to additions of property, plant and equipment	$ 29,176	$ 26,186

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 232,442	$ 66,742
Restricted cash	1,440	1,421
Total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 233,882	$ 68,163

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2018	$ 1,493,583	$ 1,290	$ 352,674	$ (93,677)	$ 1,446,495	$ (213,385)	$ 186
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2018		129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2018						(12,045,106)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	33,592				33,592
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,210)			(7,210)
Dividends	(28,181)				(28,181)
Stock-based compensation	(2,856)		(18,823)			$ 15,967
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						905,512
Stock-based compensation	12,305		12,305
Contribution of noncontrolling interests	10						10
Adoption of ASC 606 adjustment	(2,747)				(2,747)
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2019	1,498,496	$ 1,290	346,156	(100,887)	1,449,159	$ (197,418)	196
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 28, 2019		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 28, 2019						(11,139,594)
Beginning balance at Nov. 30, 2018	1,489,027	$ 1,290	342,893	(102,201)	1,449,374	$ (202,515)	186
Beginning balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2018		129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Nov. 30, 2018						(11,426,463)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	13,850				13,850
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,314			1,314
Dividends	(14,065)				(14,065)
Stock-based compensation	3,364		(1,733)			$ 5,097
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						286,869
Stock-based compensation	4,996		4,996
Contribution of noncontrolling interests	10						10
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2019	1,498,496	$ 1,290	346,156	(100,887)	1,449,159	$ (197,418)	196
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 28, 2019		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 28, 2019						(11,139,594)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2019	$ 1,624,057	$ 1,290	358,668	(124,126)	1,585,379	$ (197,350)	196
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2019		129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2019	(11,135,726)					(11,135,726)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 147,146				147,146
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,736			2,736
Dividends	(28,480)				(28,480)
Stock-based compensation	(2,463)		(22,230)			$ 19,767
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,136,951
Stock-based compensation	15,043		15,043
Contribution of noncontrolling interests	16						16
Ending balance at Feb. 29, 2020	$ 1,758,055	$ 1,290	351,481	(121,390)	1,704,045	$ (177,583)	212
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 29, 2020		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 29, 2020	(9,998,775)					(9,998,775)
Beginning balance at Nov. 30, 2019	$ 1,701,697	$ 1,290	347,192	(116,585)	1,654,489	$ (184,885)	196
Beginning balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2019		129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Nov. 30, 2019						(10,410,799)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	63,798				63,798
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,805)			(4,805)
Dividends	(14,242)				(14,242)
Stock-based compensation	5,354		(1,948)			$ 7,302
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						412,024
Stock-based compensation	6,237		6,237
Contribution of noncontrolling interests	16						16
Ending balance at Feb. 29, 2020	$ 1,758,055	$ 1,290	$ 351,481	$ (121,390)	$ 1,704,045	$ (177,583)	$ 212
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 29, 2020		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 29, 2020	(9,998,775)					(9,998,775)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.12	$ 0.12	$ 0.12

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting policies	NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2019 ("2019 Form 10-K") filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the 2019 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three and six month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Any reference in this Form 10-Q to the "comparable period" or "corresponding period" relates to the relevant three-month or six-month period ended February 28, 2019. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements On September 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended, (“ASU 2016-02”), using the modified retrospective transition approach. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. The Company’s financial statements for periods prior to September 1, 2019 were not modified for the application of this ASU. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, the Company recorded the following amounts associated with operating leases in its condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 1, 2019: $113.4 million of ROU assets, in other noncurrent assets, $30.9 million of lease liabilities in accrued expenses and other payables and $84.9 million of lease liabilities in other noncurrent liabilities. There was no impact to the opening balance of retained earnings as a result of implementing ASU 2016-02. The Company elected the package of three practical expedients available under the ASU. Additionally, the Company implemented appropriate changes to internal processes and controls to support recognition, subsequent measurement and disclosures. The Company's leases are primarily for office space, land and equipment. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception of a contract if the terms state the Company has the right to direct the use of and obtain substantially all the economic benefits from a specific asset identified in the contract. The ROU assets represent the Company's right to use the underlying assets for the lease term, and the lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the leases. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. Certain of the Company's lease agreements contain options to extend the lease. The Company evaluates these options on a lease-by-lease basis, and, if the Company determines it is reasonably certain to be exercised, the lease term includes the extension. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to determine the present value of lease payments, and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest the Company could borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term with similar payments. The Company does not record leases with an initial term of twelve months or less (“short-term leases”) in its condensed consolidated balance sheets. Certain of the Company's lease agreements include payments for certain variable costs not determinable upon lease commencement including mileage, utilities, fuel and inflation adjustments. These variable lease payments are recognized in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, but are not included in the ROU asset or lease liability balances. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein. The Company currently does not expect ASU 2019-12 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements; however, the Company will continue to evaluate the impact of this guidance.

CHANGES IN BUSINESS

CHANGES IN BUSINESS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Changes in Business	NOTE 2. CHANGES IN BUSINESS Fiscal 2020 Acquisition On February 3, 2020, the Company's subsidiary CMC Poland Sp. z.o.o. ("CMCP") acquired P.P.U. Ecosteel Sp. z.o.o. ("Ecosteel"), a steel mesh producer located in Zawiercie, Poland. This acquisition complements CMCP's existing mesh production and increases sales to other markets in Europe. The operating results of this facility are included in the International Mill reporting segment. Facility Closure In October 2019, the Company closed the melting operations at its Rancho Cucamonga facility and recorded $6.3 million of expense in the first quarter of 2020 related to severance, pension curtailment and vendor agreement terminations. At February 29, 2020, the remaining liability to be paid related to these expenses was $3.8 million and was included in accrued expenses and other payables on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Fiscal 2019 Acquisition On November 5, 2018 (the "Acquisition Date"), the Company completed the acquisition of 33 rebar fabrication facilities in the United States ("U.S."), as well as four electric arc furnace ("EAF") mini mills located in Knoxville, Tennessee; Jacksonville, Florida; Sayreville, New Jersey and Rancho Cucamonga, California from Gerdau S.A., hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Acquired Businesses." The total cash purchase price, including working capital adjustments, was $701.2 million, and was funded through a combination of domestic cash on-hand and borrowings under a term loan (the "Term Loan"). The purchase price paid was allocated between the acquired mills and fabrication facilities. The results of operations of the Acquired Businesses are reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the Acquisition Date. The purchase price was allocated among assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value and was finalized on November 5, 2019. Pro Forma Supplemental Information Supplemental information on an unaudited pro forma basis is presented below as if the acquisition of the Acquired Businesses (the "Acquisition") occurred on September 1, 2017. The pro forma financial information is presented for comparative purposes only, based on significant estimates and assumptions, which the Company believes to be reasonable, but not necessarily indicative of future results of operations or the results that would have been reported if the Acquisition had been completed on September 1, 2017. These results were not used as part of management analysis of the financial results and performance of the Company or the Acquired Businesses. These results are adjusted, where possible, for transaction and integration-related costs. Three Months Ended February 28, Six Months Ended February 28, (in thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Pro forma net sales* $ 1,379,033 $ 1,470,603 $ 2,925,007 $ 2,914,292 Pro forma net earnings (loss)** 10,260 18,786 26,081 (2,187) _________________ *Pro forma net sales for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 includes estimated fair value adjustments related to amortization of unfavorable contract backlog. The impact of the amortization of unfavorable contract backlog has been removed from the pro forma net sales for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019. ** Pro forma net earnings (loss) for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 reflects the impact of fair value adjustments related to the amortization of unfavorable contract backlog described above. Pro forma net loss for the six months ended February 28, 2018 includes estimated fair value adjustments related to inventory step-up, as well as non-recurring acquisition and integration costs of approximately $47.5 million.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	NOTE 3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"): Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, November 30, 2019 $ (114,574) $ 1,731 $ (3,742) $ (116,585) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,066) (4,501) (14) (5,581) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2) (104) — (106) Income taxes — 876 6 882 Net other comprehensive income loss (1,068) (3,729) (8) (4,805) Balance, February 29, 2020 $ (115,642) $ (1,998) $ (3,750) $ (121,390) Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2019 $ (121,498) $ 1,106 $ (3,734) $ (124,126) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 5,858 (3,619) (24) 2,215 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2) (214) — (216) Income taxes — 729 8 737 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 5,856 (3,104) (16) 2,736 Balance, February 29, 2020 $ (115,642) $ (1,998) $ (3,750) $ (121,390) Three Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, November 30, 2018 $ (102,393) $ 1,279 $ (1,087) $ (102,201) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 514 (52) (8) 454 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 936 (107) — 829 Income taxes — 31 — 31 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,450 (128) (8) 1,314 Balance, February 28, 2019 $ (100,943) $ 1,151 $ (1,095) $ (100,887) Six Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2018 $ (92,637) $ 1,356 $ (2,396) $ (93,677) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (9,143) (104) (19) (9,266) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 837 (149) 1,666 2,354 Income taxes (benefit) — 48 (346) (298) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (8,306) (205) 1,301 (7,210) Balance, February 28, 2019 $ (100,943) $ 1,151 $ (1,095) $ (100,887) Items reclassified out of AOCI were immaterial for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020 and the comparable periods. Thus, the corresponding line items in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified are not presented.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	NOTE 4. REVENUE RECOGNITION In the Americas Mills, Americas Recycling, and International Mill segments, revenue is recognized at a point in time concurrent with the transfer of control, which usually occurs, depending on shipping terms, upon shipment or customer receipt. In the Americas Fabrication segment, each contract represents a single performance obligation. Revenue is either recognized over time or equal to billing under an available practical expedient. For contracts where the Company provides fabricated product and installation services, revenue is recognized over time using an input method. For the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, these contracts represented approximately 27% and 26%, respectively, of net sales in the Americas Fabrication segment. For these contracts, the measure of progress is based on contract costs incurred to date compared to total estimated contract costs, which provides a reasonable depiction of the Company’s progress towards satisfaction of the performance obligation as there is a direct relationship between costs incurred by the Company and the transfer of the fabricated product and installation services. Revenue from contracts where the Company does not provide installation services is recognized over time using an output method. For the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, these contracts represented approximately 25% and 24%, respectively, of net sales in the Americas Fabrication segment. For these contracts, the Company uses tons shipped compared to total estimated tons, which provides a reasonable depiction of the transfer of contract value to the customer, as there is a direct relationship between the units shipped by the Company and the transfer of the fabricated product. Significant judgment is required to evaluate total estimated costs used in the input method and total estimated tons in the output method. If estimated total consolidated costs on any contract are greater than the net contract revenues, the Company recognizes the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of revisions to estimates related to net contract revenues, costs to complete or total planned quantity is recorded in the period in which such revisions are identified. The Company does not exercise significant judgment in determining the transaction price. For the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, the remaining 48% and 50%, respectively, of net sales in the Americas Fabrication segment was recognized as amounts were billed to the customer. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although the Company generally requires customers to pay within 30 days of invoice date. The timing of revenue recognition for certain Americas Fabrication contracts, as described above, differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. The Company records an asset when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing and a liability when revenue is recognized after invoicing. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined the contracts do not include a significant financing component. The following table provides information about assets and liabilities from contracts with customers. (in thousands) February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Contract assets (included in other current assets) $ 87,801 $ 103,805 Contract liabilities (included in accrued expenses and other payables) 38,391 37,165 The amount of revenue reclassified from August 31, 2019 contract liabilities during the six months ended February 29, 2020 was approximately $20.2 million. Remaining Performance Obligations As of February 29, 2020, $819.4 million has been allocated to remaining performance obligations in the Americas Fabrication segment, excluding those contracts where revenue is recognized equal to billing. Of this amount, the Company estimates the remaining performance obligations will be recognized as revenue after February 29, 2020 as follows: 40% in the first twelve months, 48% in the following twelve months, and 12% thereafter. The duration of contracts in the Americas Mills, Americas Recycling, and International Mill segments are typically less than one year. Disaggregation of Revenue The following tables display revenue by reportable segment from external customers, disaggregated by major source. The Company believes disaggregating by these categories depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 140 $ 437,648 $ 441,765 $ 171,283 $ — $ 1,050,836 Ferrous scrap 66,040 10,874 1 159 — 77,074 Nonferrous scrap 112,862 3,535 — 2,249 — 118,646 Construction materials — — 66,122 — — 66,122 Other 493 19,310 2,493 5,965 24 28,285 Total $ 179,535 $ 471,367 $ 510,381 $ 179,656 $ 24 $ 1,340,963 Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 255 $ 878,811 $ 941,492 $ 329,227 $ — $ 2,149,785 Ferrous scrap 124,342 17,622 1 371 — 142,336 Nonferrous scrap 226,080 6,890 — 4,242 — 237,212 Construction materials — — 133,588 — — 133,588 Other 1,009 42,236 5,677 10,856 2,972 62,750 Total $ 351,686 $ 945,559 $ 1,080,758 $ 344,696 $ 2,972 $ 2,725,671 Three Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 202 $ 444,327 $ 462,963 $ 167,534 $ — $ 1,075,026 Ferrous scrap 105,253 8,744 — 255 — 114,252 Nonferrous scrap 120,004 3,308 — 2,524 — 125,836 Construction materials — — 60,190 — — 60,190 Other 429 16,416 3,525 4,632 2,477 27,479 Total $ 225,888 $ 472,795 $ 526,678 $ 174,945 $ 2,477 $ 1,402,783 Six Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 441 $ 792,292 $ 837,770 $ 385,304 $ — $ 2,015,807 Ferrous scrap 216,907 17,886 — 530 — 235,323 Nonferrous scrap 248,079 6,488 — 5,465 — 260,032 Construction materials — — 117,361 — — 117,361 Other 642 29,800 6,105 10,319 4,736 51,602 Total $ 466,069 $ 846,466 $ 961,236 $ 401,618 $ 4,736 $ 2,680,125

INVENTORIES, NET

INVENTORIES, NET	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	NOTE 5. INVENTORIES, NET The majority of the Company's inventories are in the form of semi-finished and finished goods. Under the Company’s business model, products are sold to external customers in various stages, from semi-finished billets through fabricated steel, leading these categories to be combined. As such, at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, work in process inventories were immaterial. At February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, the Company's raw materials inventories were $169.4 million and $143.7 million, respectively.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangibles	NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES Goodwill by reportable segment at February 29, 2020 is detailed in the following table: (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Consolidated Goodwill, gross* $ 9,543 $ 4,970 $ 57,428 $ 2,420 $ 74,361 Accumulated impairment losses* (9,543) — (493) (153) (10,189) Goodwill, net* $ — $ 4,970 $ 56,935 $ 2,267 $ 64,172 _________________ * The change in balance from August 31, 2019 was immaterial. The total gross carrying amounts of the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization were $20.7 million and $20.8 million, respectively, and the total net carrying amounts were $12.2 million and $13.3 million at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively. These assets were included in other noncurrent assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Intangible amortization expense from continuing operations related to such intangible assets was $0.6 million and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, respectively, and for the comparable periods. Excluding goodwill, the Company did not have any significant intangible assets with indefinite lives at February 29, 2020. In connection with the Acquisition, the Company recorded an unfavorable contract backlog liability of $110.2 million. At February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, the net carrying amount of the liability was $21.0 million and $35.4 million, respectively. Amortization of the unfavorable contract backlog was $6.0 million and $14.3 million for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, respectively, and $23.5 million and $34.8 million for the comparable periods, and was recorded as an increase to net sales in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

LEASES

LEASES	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases	NOTE 7. LEASES The following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet at February 29, 2020: (in thousands) Classification in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet February 29, 2020 Assets: Operating assets Other noncurrent assets $ 124,749 Finance assets Property, plant and equipment, net 43,647 Total leased assets $ 168,396 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities: Current Accrued expenses and other payables $ 27,900 Long-term Other noncurrent liabilities 99,283 Total operating lease liabilities 127,183 Finance lease liabilities: Current Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings 12,604 Long-term Long-term debt 31,254 Total finance lease liabilities 43,858 Total lease liabilities $ 171,041 The components of lease cost were as follows: (in thousands) Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 Operating lease expense $ 8,815 $ 17,605 Finance lease expense: Amortization of assets 2,720 4,885 Interest on lease liabilities 465 866 Total finance lease expense 3,185 5,751 Variable and short term-lease expense 4,381 8,314 Total lease expense $ 16,381 $ 31,670 The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table: February 29, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 6.5 Finance leases 3.9 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 4.160 % Finance leases 4.216 % Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table: (in thousands) Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 17,594 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 787 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 6,426 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases 28,942 Finance leases 13,040 Maturities of lease liabilities at February 29, 2020 are presented in the following table: (in thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 32,620 $ 14,189 Year 2 27,531 11,963 Year 3 22,156 9,521 Year 4 17,563 7,626 Year 5 12,455 4,277 Thereafter 34,680 74 Total lease payments 147,005 47,650 Less: Imputed interest 19,822 3,792 Present value of lease liabilities $ 127,183 $ 43,858 Future maturities of lease liabilities at August 31, 2019, prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02, are presented in the following table: Twelve Months Ended August 31, (in thousands) Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Capital lease obligations $ 41,331 13,104 10,004 7,758 5,831 3,904 $ 730 Long-term non-cancelable operating leases $ 124,817 34,511 27,383 22,074 17,433 10,478 $ 12,938
Finance Leases	NOTE 7. LEASES The following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet at February 29, 2020: (in thousands) Classification in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet February 29, 2020 Assets: Operating assets Other noncurrent assets $ 124,749 Finance assets Property, plant and equipment, net 43,647 Total leased assets $ 168,396 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities: Current Accrued expenses and other payables $ 27,900 Long-term Other noncurrent liabilities 99,283 Total operating lease liabilities 127,183 Finance lease liabilities: Current Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings 12,604 Long-term Long-term debt 31,254 Total finance lease liabilities 43,858 Total lease liabilities $ 171,041 The components of lease cost were as follows: (in thousands) Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 Operating lease expense $ 8,815 $ 17,605 Finance lease expense: Amortization of assets 2,720 4,885 Interest on lease liabilities 465 866 Total finance lease expense 3,185 5,751 Variable and short term-lease expense 4,381 8,314 Total lease expense $ 16,381 $ 31,670 The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table: February 29, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 6.5 Finance leases 3.9 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 4.160 % Finance leases 4.216 % Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table: (in thousands) Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 17,594 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 787 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 6,426 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases 28,942 Finance leases 13,040 Maturities of lease liabilities at February 29, 2020 are presented in the following table: (in thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 32,620 $ 14,189 Year 2 27,531 11,963 Year 3 22,156 9,521 Year 4 17,563 7,626 Year 5 12,455 4,277 Thereafter 34,680 74 Total lease payments 147,005 47,650 Less: Imputed interest 19,822 3,792 Present value of lease liabilities $ 127,183 $ 43,858 Future maturities of lease liabilities at August 31, 2019, prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02, are presented in the following table: Twelve Months Ended August 31, (in thousands) Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Capital lease obligations $ 41,331 13,104 10,004 7,758 5,831 3,904 $ 730 Long-term non-cancelable operating leases $ 124,817 34,511 27,383 22,074 17,433 10,478 $ 12,938

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit arrangements	NOTE 8. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS Long-term debt at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019 was as follows: (in thousands) Weighted Average Interest Rate at February 29, 2020 February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 2027 Notes 5.375% $ 300,000 $ 300,000 2026 Notes 5.750% 350,000 350,000 2023 Notes 4.875% 330,000 330,000 Term Loan 3.409% 110,125 210,125 Poland credit facilities 2.637% 11,290 — Short-term borrowings 2.400% 8,272 3,929 Other 5.100% 23,168 23,168 Finance leases 43,858 37,699 Total debt 1,176,713 1,254,921 Less debt issuance costs 9,425 10,268 Total amounts outstanding 1,167,288 1,244,653 Less current maturities 14,443 13,510 Less short-term borrowings 8,272 3,929 Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings 22,715 17,439 Long-term debt $ 1,144,573 $ 1,227,214 The Company had no amounts drawn under the $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019. The availability under the Revolver was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit of $3.0 million at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019. The Company also has credit facilities in Poland through its subsidiary CMCP. At February 29, 2020, CMCP's credit facilities totaled Polish zloty ("PLN") 275.0 million, or $70.0 million. These facilities expire in March 2022. At February 29, 2020, $11.3 million was outstanding under these facilities. No amounts were outstanding as of August 31, 2019. The available balance of these credit facilities was further reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, guarantees, and/or other financial assurance instruments, which totaled $0.8 million and $1.1 million at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively. The Company's debt agreements require the Company to comply with certain non-financial and financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio and a debt to capitalization ratio. At February 29, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in its debt agreements. Accounts Receivable Facilities The Company had no advance payments outstanding under the U.S. accounts receivable facility at February 29, 2020 or August 31, 2019.

DERIVATIVES

DERIVATIVES	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	NOTE 9. DERIVATIVES The Company's global operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and natural gas, electricity and other energy prices. One objective of the Company's risk management program is to mitigate these risks using derivative instruments. The Company enters into (i) metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in gross margin due to price volatility in these commodities, (ii) foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and (iii) energy derivatives to mitigate the risk related to price volatility of electricity and natural gas. At February 29, 2020, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity commitments were $84.6 million and $42.0 million, respectively. At August 31, 2019, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity contract commitments were $94.1 million and $42.6 million, respectively. The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments at February 29, 2020: Commodity Long/Short Total Aluminum Long 2,100 MT Copper Long 318 MT Copper Short 5,454 MT Electricity Long 2,000,000 MW(h) _________________ MT = Metric Ton MW(h) = Megawatt hour The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. Certain foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges. The following table summarizes activity related to the Company's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. All other activity related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items was immaterial for the periods presented. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands) Location February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Commodity Cost of goods sold $ 1,731 $ (2,425) $ 416 $ (3,265) Foreign exchange SG&A expenses (21) (526) 20 (400) Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 1,710 $ (2,951) $ 436 $ (3,665)

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value	NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) February 29, 2020 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 191,424 $ 191,424 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 1,631 1,631 — — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 374 — 374 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 3,663 77 — 3,586 Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 696 — 696 — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) August 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 66,240 $ 66,240 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 1,269 1,269 — — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 569 — 569 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 99 99 — — Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 899 — 899 — _________________ (1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options. (2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or New York Mercantile Exchange. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Fair value of Level 3 derivative liabilities is based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which requires management’s own assumptions within an internally developed cash flow model. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments is included in Note 9, Derivatives. There were no material non-recurring fair value remeasurements during the three and six months ended February 29, 2020. The carrying values of the Company's short-term items approximate fair value. The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows: February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 (in thousands) Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value 2027 Notes (1) Level 2 $ 300,000 $ 308,151 $ 300,000 $ 303,810 2026 Notes (1) Level 2 350,000 365,215 350,000 363,444 2023 Notes (1) Level 2 330,000 344,177 330,000 342,098 Term Loan (2) Level 2 110,125 110,125 210,125 210,125 Poland credit facilities (2) Level 2 11,290 11,290 — — Short-term borrowings (2) Level 2 8,272 8,272 3,929 3,929 _________________ (1) The fair value of the notes was determined based on indicated market values. (2) The Term Loan, Poland credit facilities and short-term borrowings contain variable interest rates and carrying value approximates fair value.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation plans	NOTE 11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS The Company's stock-based compensation plans are described in Note 15, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, to the consolidated financial statements in the 2019 Form 10-K. In general, restricted stock units granted during 2020 vest ratably over a period of three years. Subject to the achievement of performance targets established by the Compensation Committee of CMC's Board of Directors, performance stock units granted during 2020 vest after a period of three years. During the six months ended February 29, 2020 and the comparable period, the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans: February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 (in thousands, except per share data) Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Equity method 1,521 $ 18.32 1,505 $ 17.75 Liability method 426 N/A 374 N/A During the three and six months ended February 29, 2020 and the comparable periods, the Company recorded immaterial mark-to-market adjustments on liability awards. At February 29, 2020, the Company had outstanding 835,546 equivalent shares accounted for under the liability method. The Company expects 793,769 equivalent shares to vest. The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, which was mainly included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of earnings: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Stock-based compensation expense $ 7,536 $ 5,790 $ 15,805 $ 10,007

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNING

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stockholder's equity and earnings per share	NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands, except share data) February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Earnings from continuing operations $ 63,596 $ 14,928 $ 146,351 $ 34,348 Basic earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 118,919,455 117,854,335 118,644,823 117,677,422 Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.53 $ 0.13 $ 1.23 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 118,919,455 117,854,335 118,644,823 117,677,422 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock-based incentive/purchase plans 1,487,801 1,088,423 1,658,436 1,319,005 Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 120,407,256 118,942,758 120,303,259 118,996,427 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.53 $ 0.13 $ 1.22 $ 0.29 Anti-dilutive shares not included above were immaterial for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, respectively. There were no anti-dilutive shares for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019. Restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which CMC may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of common stock. During the six months ended February 29, 2020, CMC did not

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Legal and Environmental Matters In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements in the 2019 Form 10-K. The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or state agencies with similar responsibility that it is considered a potentially responsible party at several sites, none of which are owned by the Company, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") or similar state statutes to conduct remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. The Company is involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which the Company is contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, its liability at the sites. In addition, the Company has received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Some of these environmental matters or other proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against the Company. At February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, the Company had $0.7 million accrued for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with CERCLA sites. The estimation process is based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete. Total environmental liabilities, including CERCLA sites, were $3.6 million at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, of which $2.7 million and $1.8 million were classified as other long-term liabilities at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively. These amounts have not been discounted to their present values. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies, and that the outcomes of the suits and proceedings described above, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segments	NOTE 14. BUSINESS SEGMENTS The Company structures its business into the following four reporting segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication and International Mill. The Company's reporting segments are based primarily on product lines and secondarily on geographic area. See Note 1, Nature of Operations, of the consolidated financial statements included in the 2019 Form 10-K for more information about the reporting segments, including the types of products and services from which each reporting segment derives its net sales. Corporate and Other contains earnings or losses on assets and liabilities related to the Company's Benefit Restoration Plan assets and short-term investments, expenses of the Company's corporate headquarters, interest expense related to its long-term debt and intercompany eliminations. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations to compare and evaluate the financial performance of its segments. Adjusted EBITDA is the sum of the Company's earnings from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense and impairment expense. Intersegment sales are generally priced at prevailing market prices. Certain corporate administrative expenses are allocated to the segments based upon the nature of the expense. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the consolidated financial statements included in the 2019 Form 10-K. The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment: Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 179,535 $ 471,367 $ 510,381 $ 179,656 $ 24 $ 1,340,963 Intersegment sales 68,549 260,673 1,367 423 (331,012) — Net sales 248,084 732,040 511,748 180,079 (330,988) 1,340,963 Adjusted EBITDA 5,754 125,691 16,060 13,451 (23,235) 137,721 Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 351,686 $ 945,559 $ 1,080,758 $ 344,696 $ 2,972 $ 2,725,671 Intersegment sales 118,659 555,374 2,837 772 (677,642) — Net sales 470,345 1,500,933 1,083,595 345,468 (674,670) 2,725,671 Adjusted EBITDA 9,171 280,716 33,541 24,810 (50,712) 297,526 Total assets at February 29, 2020* 261,611 1,680,295 1,065,676 521,678 378,678 3,907,938 _________________ *Total assets listed in Corporate and Other includes assets from discontinued operations. Three Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 225,888 $ 472,795 $ 526,678 $ 174,945 $ 2,477 $ 1,402,783 Intersegment sales 61,187 301,914 4,158 253 (367,512) — Net sales 287,075 774,709 530,836 175,198 (365,035) 1,402,783 Adjusted EBITDA 10,124 112,396 (49,578) 20,537 (24,146) 69,333 Six Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 466,069 $ 846,466 $ 961,236 $ 401,618 $ 4,736 $ 2,680,125 Intersegment sales 123,015 530,096 6,711 604 (660,426) — Net sales 589,084 1,376,562 967,947 402,222 (655,690) 2,680,125 Adjusted EBITDA 25,558 226,269 (86,574) 53,316 (83,700) 134,869 Total assets at August 31, 2019 * 257,517 1,667,366 1,106,420 464,177 263,291 3,758,771 _________________ *Total assets listed in Corporate and Other includes assets from discontinued operations. The following table presents a reconciliation of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Earnings from continuing operations $ 63,596 $ 14,928 $ 146,351 $ 34,348 Interest expense 15,888 18,495 32,466 35,158 Income taxes 22,845 18,141 50,177 23,750 Depreciation and amortization 41,389 41,245 82,330 76,421 Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog (5,997) (23,476) (14,328) (34,808) Impairment of assets — — 530 — Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 137,721 $ 69,333 $ 297,526 $ 134,869

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting principles	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2019 ("2019 Form 10-K") filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the 2019 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three and six month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Any reference in this Form 10-Q to the "comparable period" or "corresponding period" relates to the relevant three-month or six-month period ended February 28, 2019.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements On September 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended, (“ASU 2016-02”), using the modified retrospective transition approach. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. The Company’s financial statements for periods prior to September 1, 2019 were not modified for the application of this ASU. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, the Company recorded the following amounts associated with operating leases in its condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 1, 2019: $113.4 million of ROU assets, in other noncurrent assets, $30.9 million of lease liabilities in accrued expenses and other payables and $84.9 million of lease liabilities in other noncurrent liabilities. There was no impact to the opening balance of retained earnings as a result of implementing ASU 2016-02. The Company elected the package of three practical expedients available under the ASU. Additionally, the Company implemented appropriate changes to internal processes and controls to support recognition, subsequent measurement and disclosures. The Company's leases are primarily for office space, land and equipment. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception of a contract if the terms state the Company has the right to direct the use of and obtain substantially all the economic benefits from a specific asset identified in the contract. The ROU assets represent the Company's right to use the underlying assets for the lease term, and the lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the leases. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. Certain of the Company's lease agreements contain options to extend the lease. The Company evaluates these options on a lease-by-lease basis, and, if the Company determines it is reasonably certain to be exercised, the lease term includes the extension. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to determine the present value of lease payments, and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest the Company could borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term with similar payments. The Company does not record leases with an initial term of twelve months or less (“short-term leases”) in its condensed consolidated balance sheets. Certain of the Company's lease agreements include payments for certain variable costs not determinable upon lease commencement including mileage, utilities, fuel and inflation adjustments. These variable lease payments are recognized in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, but are not included in the ROU asset or lease liability balances. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein. The Company currently does not expect ASU 2019-12 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements; however, the Company will continue to evaluate the impact of this guidance.
Fair value measurement	The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Tables)

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	These results are adjusted, where possible, for transaction and integration-related costs. Three Months Ended February 28, Six Months Ended February 28, (in thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Pro forma net sales* $ 1,379,033 $ 1,470,603 $ 2,925,007 $ 2,914,292 Pro forma net earnings (loss)** 10,260 18,786 26,081 (2,187) _________________ *Pro forma net sales for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 includes estimated fair value adjustments related to amortization of unfavorable contract backlog. The impact of the amortization of unfavorable contract backlog has been removed from the pro forma net sales for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019. ** Pro forma net earnings (loss) for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 reflects the impact of fair value adjustments related to the amortization of unfavorable contract backlog described above. Pro forma net loss for the six months ended February 28, 2018 includes estimated fair value adjustments related to inventory step-up, as well as non-recurring acquisition and integration costs of approximately $47.5 million.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"): Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, November 30, 2019 $ (114,574) $ 1,731 $ (3,742) $ (116,585) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,066) (4,501) (14) (5,581) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2) (104) — (106) Income taxes — 876 6 882 Net other comprehensive income loss (1,068) (3,729) (8) (4,805) Balance, February 29, 2020 $ (115,642) $ (1,998) $ (3,750) $ (121,390) Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2019 $ (121,498) $ 1,106 $ (3,734) $ (124,126) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 5,858 (3,619) (24) 2,215 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2) (214) — (216) Income taxes — 729 8 737 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 5,856 (3,104) (16) 2,736 Balance, February 29, 2020 $ (115,642) $ (1,998) $ (3,750) $ (121,390) Three Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, November 30, 2018 $ (102,393) $ 1,279 $ (1,087) $ (102,201) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 514 (52) (8) 454 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 936 (107) — 829 Income taxes — 31 — 31 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,450 (128) (8) 1,314 Balance, February 28, 2019 $ (100,943) $ 1,151 $ (1,095) $ (100,887) Six Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Defined Benefit Obligation Total AOCI Balance, August 31, 2018 $ (92,637) $ 1,356 $ (2,396) $ (93,677) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (9,143) (104) (19) (9,266) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 837 (149) 1,666 2,354 Income taxes (benefit) — 48 (346) (298) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (8,306) (205) 1,301 (7,210) Balance, February 28, 2019 $ (100,943) $ 1,151 $ (1,095) $ (100,887)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Information avout Assets and Liabilities from Contracts with Customers	The following table provides information about assets and liabilities from contracts with customers. (in thousands) February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Contract assets (included in other current assets) $ 87,801 $ 103,805 Contract liabilities (included in accrued expenses and other payables) 38,391 37,165
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following tables display revenue by reportable segment from external customers, disaggregated by major source. The Company believes disaggregating by these categories depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 140 $ 437,648 $ 441,765 $ 171,283 $ — $ 1,050,836 Ferrous scrap 66,040 10,874 1 159 — 77,074 Nonferrous scrap 112,862 3,535 — 2,249 — 118,646 Construction materials — — 66,122 — — 66,122 Other 493 19,310 2,493 5,965 24 28,285 Total $ 179,535 $ 471,367 $ 510,381 $ 179,656 $ 24 $ 1,340,963 Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 255 $ 878,811 $ 941,492 $ 329,227 $ — $ 2,149,785 Ferrous scrap 124,342 17,622 1 371 — 142,336 Nonferrous scrap 226,080 6,890 — 4,242 — 237,212 Construction materials — — 133,588 — — 133,588 Other 1,009 42,236 5,677 10,856 2,972 62,750 Total $ 351,686 $ 945,559 $ 1,080,758 $ 344,696 $ 2,972 $ 2,725,671 Three Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 202 $ 444,327 $ 462,963 $ 167,534 $ — $ 1,075,026 Ferrous scrap 105,253 8,744 — 255 — 114,252 Nonferrous scrap 120,004 3,308 — 2,524 — 125,836 Construction materials — — 60,190 — — 60,190 Other 429 16,416 3,525 4,632 2,477 27,479 Total $ 225,888 $ 472,795 $ 526,678 $ 174,945 $ 2,477 $ 1,402,783 Six Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Total Steel products $ 441 $ 792,292 $ 837,770 $ 385,304 $ — $ 2,015,807 Ferrous scrap 216,907 17,886 — 530 — 235,323 Nonferrous scrap 248,079 6,488 — 5,465 — 260,032 Construction materials — — 117,361 — — 117,361 Other 642 29,800 6,105 10,319 4,736 51,602 Total $ 466,069 $ 846,466 $ 961,236 $ 401,618 $ 4,736 $ 2,680,125

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	Goodwill by reportable segment at February 29, 2020 is detailed in the following table: (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Consolidated Goodwill, gross* $ 9,543 $ 4,970 $ 57,428 $ 2,420 $ 74,361 Accumulated impairment losses* (9,543) — (493) (153) (10,189) Goodwill, net* $ — $ 4,970 $ 56,935 $ 2,267 $ 64,172 _________________ * The change in balance from August 31, 2019 was immaterial.

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components of Leases	The following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet at February 29, 2020: (in thousands) Classification in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet February 29, 2020 Assets: Operating assets Other noncurrent assets $ 124,749 Finance assets Property, plant and equipment, net 43,647 Total leased assets $ 168,396 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities: Current Accrued expenses and other payables $ 27,900 Long-term Other noncurrent liabilities 99,283 Total operating lease liabilities 127,183 Finance lease liabilities: Current Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings 12,604 Long-term Long-term debt 31,254 Total finance lease liabilities 43,858 Total lease liabilities $ 171,041
Lease Cost	The components of lease cost were as follows: (in thousands) Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 Operating lease expense $ 8,815 $ 17,605 Finance lease expense: Amortization of assets 2,720 4,885 Interest on lease liabilities 465 866 Total finance lease expense 3,185 5,751 Variable and short term-lease expense 4,381 8,314 Total lease expense $ 16,381 $ 31,670 The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table: February 29, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 6.5 Finance leases 3.9 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 4.160 % Finance leases 4.216 %
Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases	Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table: (in thousands) Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 17,594 Operating cash outflows from finance leases 787 Financing cash outflows from finance leases 6,426 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases 28,942 Finance leases 13,040
Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities at February 29, 2020 are presented in the following table: (in thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 32,620 $ 14,189 Year 2 27,531 11,963 Year 3 22,156 9,521 Year 4 17,563 7,626 Year 5 12,455 4,277 Thereafter 34,680 74 Total lease payments 147,005 47,650 Less: Imputed interest 19,822 3,792 Present value of lease liabilities $ 127,183 $ 43,858
Maturity of Finance Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities at February 29, 2020 are presented in the following table: (in thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 32,620 $ 14,189 Year 2 27,531 11,963 Year 3 22,156 9,521 Year 4 17,563 7,626 Year 5 12,455 4,277 Thereafter 34,680 74 Total lease payments 147,005 47,650 Less: Imputed interest 19,822 3,792 Present value of lease liabilities $ 127,183 $ 43,858
Future Maturity of Lease Obligations Prior to Adoption of ASU 2016-02	Future maturities of lease liabilities at August 31, 2019, prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02, are presented in the following table: Twelve Months Ended August 31, (in thousands) Total 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Capital lease obligations $ 41,331 13,104 10,004 7,758 5,831 3,904 $ 730 Long-term non-cancelable operating leases $ 124,817 34,511 27,383 22,074 17,433 10,478 $ 12,938

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps	Long-term debt at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019 was as follows: (in thousands) Weighted Average Interest Rate at February 29, 2020 February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 2027 Notes 5.375% $ 300,000 $ 300,000 2026 Notes 5.750% 350,000 350,000 2023 Notes 4.875% 330,000 330,000 Term Loan 3.409% 110,125 210,125 Poland credit facilities 2.637% 11,290 — Short-term borrowings 2.400% 8,272 3,929 Other 5.100% 23,168 23,168 Finance leases 43,858 37,699 Total debt 1,176,713 1,254,921 Less debt issuance costs 9,425 10,268 Total amounts outstanding 1,167,288 1,244,653 Less current maturities 14,443 13,510 Less short-term borrowings 8,272 3,929 Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings 22,715 17,439 Long-term debt $ 1,144,573 $ 1,227,214

DERIVATIVES (Tables)

DERIVATIVES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Commodity contract commitments	The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments at February 29, 2020: Commodity Long/Short Total Aluminum Long 2,100 MT Copper Long 318 MT Copper Short 5,454 MT Electricity Long 2,000,000 MW(h) _________________ MT = Metric Ton
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	The following table summarizes activity related to the Company's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. All other activity related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items was immaterial for the periods presented. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands) Location February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Commodity Cost of goods sold $ 1,731 $ (2,425) $ 416 $ (3,265) Foreign exchange SG&A expenses (21) (526) 20 (400) Gain (loss) before income taxes $ 1,710 $ (2,951) $ 436 $ (3,665)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) February 29, 2020 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 191,424 $ 191,424 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 1,631 1,631 — — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 374 — 374 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 3,663 77 — 3,586 Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 696 — 696 — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (in thousands) August 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Investment deposit accounts (1) $ 66,240 $ 66,240 $ — $ — Commodity derivative assets (2) 1,269 1,269 — — Foreign exchange derivative assets (2) 569 — 569 — Liabilities: Commodity derivative liabilities (2) 99 99 — — Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2) 899 — 899 — _________________ (1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options. (2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or New York Mercantile Exchange. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Fair value of Level 3 derivative liabilities is based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which requires management’s own assumptions within an internally developed cash flow model. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments is included in Note 9, Derivatives.
Financial assets and liabilities not required to be measured at fair value	The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows: February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 (in thousands) Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value 2027 Notes (1) Level 2 $ 300,000 $ 308,151 $ 300,000 $ 303,810 2026 Notes (1) Level 2 350,000 365,215 350,000 363,444 2023 Notes (1) Level 2 330,000 344,177 330,000 342,098 Term Loan (2) Level 2 110,125 110,125 210,125 210,125 Poland credit facilities (2) Level 2 11,290 11,290 — — Short-term borrowings (2) Level 2 8,272 8,272 3,929 3,929 _________________ (1) The fair value of the notes was determined based on indicated market values. (2) The Term Loan, Poland credit facilities and short-term borrowings contain variable interest rates and carrying value approximates fair value.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Based Awards Granted	During the six months ended February 29, 2020 and the comparable period, the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans: February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 (in thousands, except per share data) Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Equity method 1,521 $ 18.32 1,505 $ 17.75 Liability method 426 N/A 374 N/A
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense	The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, which was mainly included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of earnings: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Stock-based compensation expense $ 7,536 $ 5,790 $ 15,805 $ 10,007

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND EARNIN

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of the basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands, except share data) February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Earnings from continuing operations $ 63,596 $ 14,928 $ 146,351 $ 34,348 Basic earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 118,919,455 117,854,335 118,644,823 117,677,422 Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.53 $ 0.13 $ 1.23 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings per share: Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 118,919,455 117,854,335 118,644,823 117,677,422 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock-based incentive/purchase plans 1,487,801 1,088,423 1,658,436 1,319,005 Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 120,407,256 118,942,758 120,303,259 118,996,427 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.53 $ 0.13 $ 1.22 $ 0.29 Anti-dilutive shares not included above were immaterial for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, respectively. There were no anti-dilutive shares for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019. Restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment	The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment: Three Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 179,535 $ 471,367 $ 510,381 $ 179,656 $ 24 $ 1,340,963 Intersegment sales 68,549 260,673 1,367 423 (331,012) — Net sales 248,084 732,040 511,748 180,079 (330,988) 1,340,963 Adjusted EBITDA 5,754 125,691 16,060 13,451 (23,235) 137,721 Six Months Ended February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 351,686 $ 945,559 $ 1,080,758 $ 344,696 $ 2,972 $ 2,725,671 Intersegment sales 118,659 555,374 2,837 772 (677,642) — Net sales 470,345 1,500,933 1,083,595 345,468 (674,670) 2,725,671 Adjusted EBITDA 9,171 280,716 33,541 24,810 (50,712) 297,526 Total assets at February 29, 2020* 261,611 1,680,295 1,065,676 521,678 378,678 3,907,938 _________________ *Total assets listed in Corporate and Other includes assets from discontinued operations. Three Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 225,888 $ 472,795 $ 526,678 $ 174,945 $ 2,477 $ 1,402,783 Intersegment sales 61,187 301,914 4,158 253 (367,512) — Net sales 287,075 774,709 530,836 175,198 (365,035) 1,402,783 Adjusted EBITDA 10,124 112,396 (49,578) 20,537 (24,146) 69,333 Six Months Ended February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Americas Recycling Americas Mills Americas Fabrication International Mill Corporate and Other Continuing Operations Net sales-unaffiliated customers $ 466,069 $ 846,466 $ 961,236 $ 401,618 $ 4,736 $ 2,680,125 Intersegment sales 123,015 530,096 6,711 604 (660,426) — Net sales 589,084 1,376,562 967,947 402,222 (655,690) 2,680,125 Adjusted EBITDA 25,558 226,269 (86,574) 53,316 (83,700) 134,869 Total assets at August 31, 2019 * 257,517 1,667,366 1,106,420 464,177 263,291 3,758,771 _________________
Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit	The following table presents a reconciliation of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 Earnings from continuing operations $ 63,596 $ 14,928 $ 146,351 $ 34,348 Interest expense 15,888 18,495 32,466 35,158 Income taxes 22,845 18,141 50,177 23,750 Depreciation and amortization 41,389 41,245 82,330 76,421 Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog (5,997) (23,476) (14,328) (34,808) Impairment of assets — — 530 — Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 137,721 $ 69,333 $ 297,526 $ 134,869

ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recently

ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Sep. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating assets	$ 124,749
Current	27,900
Long-term	99,283
Cumulative effect on retained earnings of adoption of ASU 2016-02		$ (2,747)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect on retained earnings of adoption of ASU 2016-02	$ 0
Other Noncurrent Assets | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating assets			$ 113,400
Accrued Expenses and Other Payables | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Current			30,900
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Long-term			$ 84,900

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Details)

CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 05, 2018USD ($)fabrication_facility
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of rebar fabrication facilities acquired | fabrication_facility						33
Cash purchase price						$ 701,200
Pro forma net sales	$ 1,379,033	$ 1,470,603		$ 2,925,007	$ 2,914,292
Pro forma net earnings (loss)	$ 10,260	$ 18,786		$ 26,081	(2,187)
Non-recurring acquisition and integration costs					$ 47,500
Facility closure costs			$ 6,300
Remaining liability for facility closure			$ 3,800

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI by Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (116,585)	$ (102,201)	$ (124,126)	$ (93,677)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(5,581)	454	2,215	(9,266)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(106)	829	(216)	2,354
Income taxes	882	31	737	(298)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,805)	1,314	2,736	(7,210)
Ending balance	(121,390)	(100,887)	(121,390)	(100,887)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(114,574)	(102,393)	(121,498)	(92,637)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(1,066)	514	5,858	(9,143)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2)	936	(2)	837
Income taxes	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,068)	1,450	5,856	(8,306)
Ending balance	(115,642)	(100,943)	(115,642)	(100,943)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,731	1,279	1,106	1,356
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(4,501)	(52)	(3,619)	(104)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(104)	(107)	(214)	(149)
Income taxes	876	31	729	48
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,729)	(128)	(3,104)	(205)
Ending balance	(1,998)	1,151	(1,998)	1,151
Defined Benefit Obligation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3,742)	(1,087)	(3,734)	(2,396)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(14)	(8)	(24)	(19)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	1,666
Income taxes	6	0	8	(346)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8)	(8)	(16)	1,301
Ending balance	$ (3,750)	$ (1,095)	$ (3,750)	$ (1,095)

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenue R

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenue Recognition Method (Details) - Americas Fabrication	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020
Recognized as Amounts are Billed
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract as percent of total segment revenue (percent)	48.00%	50.00%
Fabricated Product and Installation Services | Recognized over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract as percent of total segment revenue (percent)	27.00%	26.00%
Fabricated Product without Installation Services | Recognized over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract as percent of total segment revenue (percent)	25.00%	24.00%

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Contract

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets (included in other current assets)	$ 87,801	$ 103,805
Contract liabilities (included in accrued expenses and other payables)	38,391	$ 37,165
Revenue reclassified from contract liabilities	$ 20,200

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Remaining

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 819.4
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-03-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation (percent)	40.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-03-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation (percent)	48.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-03-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation (percent)	12.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggreg

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,340,963	$ 1,402,783	$ 2,725,671	$ 2,680,125
Steel Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,050,836	1,075,026	2,149,785	2,015,807
Ferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	77,074	114,252	142,336	235,323
Nonferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	118,646	125,836	237,212	260,032
Construction Materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	66,122	60,190	133,588	117,361
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	28,285	27,479	62,750	51,602
Americas Recycling
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	179,535	225,888	351,686	466,069
Americas Recycling | Steel Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	140	202	255	441
Americas Recycling | Ferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	66,040	105,253	124,342	216,907
Americas Recycling | Nonferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	112,862	120,004	226,080	248,079
Americas Recycling | Construction Materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Americas Recycling | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	493	429	1,009	642
Americas Mills
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	471,367	472,795	945,559	846,466
Americas Mills | Steel Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	437,648	444,327	878,811	792,292
Americas Mills | Ferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	10,874	8,744	17,622	17,886
Americas Mills | Nonferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	3,535	3,308	6,890	6,488
Americas Mills | Construction Materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Americas Mills | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	19,310	16,416	42,236	29,800
Americas Fabrication
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	510,381	526,678	1,080,758	961,236
Americas Fabrication | Steel Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	441,765	462,963	941,492	837,770
Americas Fabrication | Ferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1	0	1	0
Americas Fabrication | Nonferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Americas Fabrication | Construction Materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	66,122	60,190	133,588	117,361
Americas Fabrication | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	2,493	3,525	5,677	6,105
International Mill
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	179,656	174,945	344,696	401,618
International Mill | Steel Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	171,283	167,534	329,227	385,304
International Mill | Ferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	159	255	371	530
International Mill | Nonferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	2,249	2,524	4,242	5,465
International Mill | Construction Materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
International Mill | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	5,965	4,632	10,856	10,319
Corporate
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	24	2,477	2,972	4,736
Corporate | Steel Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Corporate | Ferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Corporate | Nonferrous Scrap
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Corporate | Construction Materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Corporate | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 24	$ 2,477	$ 2,972	$ 4,736

INVENTORIES, NET (Narrative) (D

INVENTORIES, NET (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 169.4	$ 143.7

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Nov. 05, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross carrying amounts of the intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 20,700		$ 20,700		$ 20,800
Net carrying amount of intangible assets subject to amortization	12,200		12,200		13,300
Amortization expense for intangible assets	600	$ 600	1,100	$ 1,100
Acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(21,008)		(21,008)		$ (35,360)	$ (110,200)
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	$ (5,997)	$ (23,476)	$ (14,328)	$ (34,808)

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	$ 74,361
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,189)
Goodwill, net	64,172	$ 64,138
Americas Recycling
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	9,543
Accumulated impairment losses	(9,543)
Goodwill, net	0
Americas Mills
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	4,970
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Goodwill, net	4,970
Americas Fabrication
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	57,428
Accumulated impairment losses	(493)
Goodwill, net	56,935
International Mill
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	2,420
Accumulated impairment losses	(153)
Goodwill, net	$ 2,267

LEASES - Balance Sheet Componen

LEASES - Balance Sheet Components (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)
Assets:
Operating assets	$ 124,749
Finance assets	43,647
Total leased assets	168,396
Operating lease liabilities:
Current	27,900
Long-term	99,283
Total operating lease liabilities	127,183
Finance lease liabilities:
Current	12,604
Long-term	31,254
Total finance lease liabilities	43,858
Total lease liabilities	$ 171,041

LEASES - Lease Cost (Details)

LEASES - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$ 8,815	$ 17,605
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets	2,720	4,885
Interest on lease liabilities	465	866
Total finance lease expense	3,185	5,751
Variable and short term-lease expense	4,381	8,314
Total lease expense	$ 16,381	$ 31,670

LEASES - Weighted Average Lease

LEASES - Weighted Average Lease Terms and Discount Rates (Details)	Feb. 29, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases, remaining term	6 years 6 months
Finance leases, remaining term	3 years 10 months 24 days
Operating leases, weighted average discount rate	4.16%
Finance leases, weighted average discount rate	4.216%

LEASES - Cash Flow and Other In

LEASES - Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$ 17,594
Operating cash outflows from finance leases	787
Financing cash outflows from finance leases	6,426
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	28,942
Finance leases	$ 13,040

LEASES - Maturity of Lease Liab

LEASES - Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)
Operating Leases
Year 1	$ 32,620
Year 2	27,531
Year 3	22,156
Year 5	12,455
Year 4	17,563
Thereafter	34,680
Total lease payments	147,005
Less: Imputed interest	19,822
Present value of lease liabilities	127,183
Finance Leases
Year 1	14,189
Year 2	11,963
Year 3	9,521
Year 4	7,626
Year 5	4,277
Thereafter	74
Total lease payments	47,650
Less: Imputed interest	3,792
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 43,858

LEASES - Future Lease Obligatio

LEASES - Future Lease Obligations Prior to Adoption of ASU 2016-02 (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)
Capital lease obligations
Total	$ 41,331
2020	13,104
2021	10,004
2022	7,758
2023	5,831
2024	3,904
Thereafter	730
Long-term non-cancelable operating leases
Total	124,817
2020	34,511
2021	27,383
2022	22,074
2023	17,433
2024	10,478
Thereafter	$ 12,938

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt, Including the Deferred Gain from the Termination of the Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 1,176,713		$ 1,176,713		$ 1,254,921
Less debt issuance costs	9,425		9,425		10,268
Total amounts outstanding	1,167,288		1,167,288		1,244,653
Less current maturities	14,443		14,443		13,510
Less short-term borrowings	8,272		8,272		3,929
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	22,715		22,715		17,439
Long-term debt	1,144,573		1,144,573		1,227,214
Depreciation and amortization	$ 41,389	$ 41,245	$ 82,330	$ 76,421
2027 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	5.375%		5.375%
Total debt	$ 300,000		$ 300,000		300,000
2026 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	5.75%		5.75%
Total debt	$ 350,000		$ 350,000		350,000
2023 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	4.875%		4.875%
Total debt	$ 330,000		$ 330,000		330,000
Term Loan | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	3.409%		3.409%
Total debt	$ 110,125		$ 110,125		210,125
Poland credit facilities | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	2.637%		2.637%
Total debt	$ 11,290		$ 11,290		0
Short-term borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, short term	2.40%		2.40%
Total debt	$ 8,272		$ 8,272		3,929
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, short term	5.10%		5.10%
Total debt	$ 23,168		$ 23,168		23,168
Finance leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 43,858		$ 43,858		$ 37,699

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative)

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2020PLN (zł)	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)
CMCP
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity	$ 70,000,000	zł 275,000,000
Revolving credit facility, amount drawn	11,300,000		$ 0
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	800,000		1,100,000
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity	350,000,000		350,000,000
Revolving credit facility, amount drawn	0		0
Stand-by letters of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	3,000,000		3,000,000
U.S. Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Advances outstanding under transfer of receivables programs	0		0
Poland Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Transfer of accounts receivable program limit	56,000,000	zł 220,000,000
Advances outstanding under transfer of receivables programs	$ 8,300,000		$ 3,900,000

DERIVATIVES (Narrative) (Detail

DERIVATIVES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Foreign exchange
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 84.6	$ 94.1
Commodity
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 42	$ 42.6

DERIVATIVES (Commodity Contract

DERIVATIVES (Commodity Contract Commitments) (Details) MWh in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020MWht
Aluminum | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	2,100
Copper | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	318
Copper | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	5,454
Electricity | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitment, electricity | MWh	2

DERIVATIVES (Derivatives Not De

DERIVATIVES (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ 1,710	$ (2,951)	$ 436	$ (3,665)
Commodity | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	1,731	(2,425)	416	(3,265)
Foreign exchange | SG&A expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ (21)	$ (526)	$ 20	$ (400)

FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details

FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020levels
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of fair value hierarchy	3

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets an

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) - Fair value, measurements, recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	$ 191,424	$ 66,240
Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,631	1,269
Derivative liabilities	3,663	99
Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	374	569
Derivative liabilities	696	899
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	191,424	66,240
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,631	1,269
Derivative liabilities	77	99
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	374	569
Derivative liabilities	696	899
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	3,586	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets _2

FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Required to Be Measured at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	$ 1,176,713	$ 1,254,921
2027 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	300,000	300,000
2027 Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	308,151	303,810
2026 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	350,000	350,000
2026 Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	365,215	363,444
2023 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	330,000	330,000
2023 Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	344,177	342,098
Short-term borrowings
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	8,272	3,929
Short-term borrowings | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	8,272	3,929
Revolving credit facility | Term Loan
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	110,125	210,125
Revolving credit facility | Poland credit facilities
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	$ 11,290	$ 0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 7,536	$ 5,790	$ 15,805	$ 10,007
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Performance Stock Units (PSU)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Equity method awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted			1,521,000	1,505,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value			$ 18.32	$ 17.75
Liability method awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted			426,000	374,000
Equivalent shares outstanding	835,546		835,546
Equivalent shares expected to vest	793,769		793,769
Fiscal 2020 | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years
Fiscal 2020 | Performance Stock Units (PSU)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years			3 years

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNI_2

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Nov. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchase program, shares purchased (shares)	0
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 27,600,000

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNI_3

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Calculations of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations		$ 63,596	$ 14,928	$ 146,351	$ 34,348
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)		118,919,455	117,854,335	118,644,823	117,677,422
Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	[1]	$ 0.53	$ 0.13	$ 1.23	$ 0.29
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)		118,919,455	117,854,335	118,644,823	117,677,422
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans (shares)		1,487,801	1,088,423	1,658,436	1,319,005
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (shares)		120,407,256	118,942,758	120,303,259	118,996,427
Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	[1]	$ 0.53	$ 0.13	$ 1.22	$ 0.29
Antidilutive (shares)				0	0
[1]	*Earnings Per Share ("EPS") is calculated independently for each component and may not sum to Net EPS due to rounding

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$ 3.6	$ 3.6
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, noncurrent	2.7	1.8
CERCLA sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$ 0.7	$ 0.7

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	4

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of C

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of Certain Financial Information from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,340,963	$ 1,402,783	$ 2,725,671	$ 2,680,125
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	137,721	69,333	297,526	134,869
Total assets	3,907,938		3,907,938		$ 3,758,771
Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,340,963	1,402,783	2,725,671	2,680,125
Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	179,535	225,888	351,686	466,069
Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	471,367	472,795	945,559	846,466
Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	510,381	526,678	1,080,758	961,236
International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	179,656	174,945	344,696	401,618
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	24	2,477	2,972	4,736
Intersegment | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Intersegment | Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	68,549	61,187	118,659	123,015
Intersegment | Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	260,673	301,914	555,374	530,096
Intersegment | Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,367	4,158	2,837	6,711
Intersegment | International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	423	253	772	604
Intersegment | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	(331,012)	(367,512)	(677,642)	(660,426)
Segments | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,340,963	1,402,783	2,725,671	2,680,125
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	137,721	69,333	297,526	134,869
Total assets	3,907,938		3,907,938		3,758,771
Segments | Americas Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	248,084	287,075	470,345	589,084
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	5,754	10,124	9,171	25,558
Total assets	261,611		261,611		257,517
Segments | Americas Mills
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	732,040	774,709	1,500,933	1,376,562
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	125,691	112,396	280,716	226,269
Total assets	1,680,295		1,680,295		1,667,366
Segments | Americas Fabrication
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	511,748	530,836	1,083,595	967,947
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	16,060	(49,578)	33,541	(86,574)
Total assets	1,065,676		1,065,676		1,106,420
Segments | International Mill
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	180,079	175,198	345,468	402,222
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	13,451	20,537	24,810	53,316
Total assets	521,678		521,678		464,177
Segments | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	(330,988)	(365,035)	(674,670)	(655,690)
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	(23,235)	$ (24,146)	(50,712)	$ (83,700)
Total assets	$ 378,678		$ 378,678		$ 263,291

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliati

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 63,596	$ 14,928	$ 146,351	$ 34,348
Interest expense	15,888	18,495	32,466	35,158
Income taxes	22,845	18,141	50,177	23,750
Depreciation and amortization	41,389	41,245	82,330	76,421
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(5,997)	(23,476)	(14,328)	(34,808)
Impairment of assets	0	0	530	0
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	$ 137,721	$ 69,333	$ 297,526	$ 134,869